Page 74 of Unravel

“Congrats, man.”

Wesmack each other’s backs and quickly end the embrace.

“Missedhaving you up there with me.”

Ishrug. “Itwas better for me to watch you bask in the moment.”

“You’restill coming over for dinner?” he asks.

Ilook away trying not to express how muchIdread being around his family.

“Pleasecome,Luke.Otherwise, it will be boring as hell,”Embercomplains.

“Language,Spark!”Evanscolds her.

Sherolls her eyes at him this time. “Asif you watch yours.”

“I’mnot fourteen.Dadwill have your hide if he hears you cursing.”

Emberfolds her arms over her chest and gives him an annoyed scowl.

“I’llbe there,”Itell them both.

Ember’ssmile warms my heart.Poorgirl is about to be left alone with her parents.Imake a mental note to pull her aside and tell her that if she ever needs me for anything, to let me know.I’lleven give her my number.Itmight piss offEvan, butIdon’t think she’s going to handle their parents as well as he has.

“Weneed to go.AuntEliseis taking us all toJacksonfor lunch to celebrate.”

“Congratulations,”Rachelsays again. “Reallyproud of you andLuke,” she says softly.

EvanturnsEmberby her shoulders to guide her through the crowd.Heturns back to us and mouthsIlove you both, before leaving us behind.

“Ithought graduations were supposed to be happy occasions, but allIfeel is sad,” she mutters.

“Same.”

EvanandEmberwalk past a familiar face that happens to be watching me carefully.

“Hey, would you mind holdingOliviafor a minute?”

RacheltakesOliviaand smiles knowingly. “I’llwait here.”

AsIapproachSydney, she meets me halfway.

“Congratulations,”Itell her and hold out my arms offering a hug.

Shehugs me back, but it feels awkward. “Iguess congratulations are in order for you too, even though it’s several months too late.”

“Don’tworry about it.”Shelooks pretty.Herhair is longer. “Youlook nice,Syd.”

Sheblushes. “Thankyou.Soare you the official babysitter now?” she asks as she peaks over my shoulder toRachel.

“Somethinglike that.Idon’t mind.Oliviais a sweetheart.”

Sydsmiles and tilts her head as if she’s in on some secretI’mnot aware of. “Ialways knew you’d be a good dad.Oliviais lucky.”

“She’smy sister,”Icorrect.

“Iknow she is, but you’ll always be her father figure unlessMs.Garrettremarries.”

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